Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 10, 2024
Matthew 25:41-46
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Get away from me, you who will receive terrible things. Go into the unending fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 I was hungry and you didn’t give me food to eat. I was thirsty and you didn’t give me anything to drink. 43 I was a stranger and you didn’t welcome me. I was naked and you didn’t give me clothes to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ 44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ 45 Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.’ 46 And they will go away into eternal punishment. But the righteous ones will go into eternal life.”
Good Morning! Share God’s love with everyone.
We are often guilty of avoiding the least of these. Those with physical, mental, and emotional afflictions make us uncomfortable. When someone has a physical ailment, we don’t know where to look because we don’t want to stare at their brokenness accidentally. For those with mental challenges, we quickly tire of the constant repetition of words and questions. Finally, we struggle to have a conversation with those suffering from emotional difficulties because we don’t want to trigger some unexpected response.
When I consider Jesus’ walk on earth, I see that he went to all those hard places, sat down, and treated everyone as “real” people with feelings and needs. Jesus didn’t shy away from anyone; he could see each person for who they were beneath their earthly trappings.
Most of us do a better job during the Christmas season of attending to the needs of the less fortunate by providing gifts and donations and visiting those who are struggling. We must carry these habits into the new year as we seek the lost and weary. Jesus came to save everyone without regard for those things that earthly standards deem unworthy.
Loving Lord, We are your children! We are guilty of avoiding those who make us uncomfortable. Open our hearts so we may “see” your child hiding beneath the surface. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Treat everyone with the same kindness and love you would show Christ.
Jesus came to save us all! Pastor Liz
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